Good Friday: photo Album cccsp_ede

He died for the whole Universe.. 

For God Love us 

He gave us his only begotten Son

Thank you for your love 

HEPHZIBAH generation

ig- cccsp_ede

Preparing women for the master’s use

Topic: Preparing women for the master’s use
Anchor Text: 2Timothy 2:21


Introduction; God prepares Man
It is important we know that it is only God who prepares His own vessels and not man (Ps 23:5). It takes the master mind of a purpose to create what is suitable for such purpose. Just as it takes a woman to prepare her special dish that will suit the special occasion she has in mind. Though she may appoint helpers, yet the preparation comes from her. So also does it take only God who knows what He want to make out of our life to prepare us to fit His purpose (Isa 44:2).
It is not in the place of any man to prepare or make a fellow man to fit the masters use. Irrespective of the position held in the body of Christ or society, we are on a duty call “Helpers” (Eph 4:11-12). No man is totally authorized to make a man, it is a delegated authority under the auspices of God’s instruction. They are playing a part in God’s preparation plan. (E.g Samuel, David, Joseph e.t.c). Therefore, let’s have it at the back of our mind that both leaders and church members, we are all playing a part in God’s purposed purpose, no one is making anyone only God does. What man makes today is a Robot.


The masters Mind
From genesis, God created man and woman uniquely. He made man from the dust and from the same dust He made woman but together with a man’s rib. This implies that though they were both human being, God was detailed enough in their making as it has a nexus with their purpose and making process.
Both man and woman has a collective and primary purpose which is to be an extension of God on earth (Gen 1:26), however they both have individual purpose which is still primary to God. These purposes have great influence on their making.
Man- to tend and keep the garden; to extend the garden to the ends of the earth (Gen 2:15). Man was created in isolation (the dust) but not to live in isolation.
Woman- to be a helper; support the man in extending the garden to the ends of the earth (Gen 2:18)
Woman was created relationally and not in isolation (man’s rib and dust).
Note: both man and woman were made from the dust of the ground just like other creatures but the governing power was the breath of God (His Spirit, His nature) in man. Therefore, if a man loses the breath of God he is no different from other creature; Remember Ape)
Therefore, our God the great potter knows what He want while making us and we have just being made perfectly to fit into His plan. You are not an accident, and you are proportioned for a God’s purpose. Irrespective of your background, complexion, stature, status, ability God knows best and had His and your best interest in mind.
The need for companionship
God understand companionship as He himself has got the company of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. He doesn’t work in isolation; they all work together as one even in the making of man (Gen 1:26a). Just as we are made in God’s image, we are we entitle to companionship. However, companionship doesn’t necessarily mean a wife or husband.


Masters Plan for a Woman
it is important to note that being a woman isn’t just restricted to being a wife, your womanhood began as a girl-daughter-sister-fiancée-wife-mother and even grandmother.
To be a helper- Gen 2:18
To be an Extension of God- Gen 1:26-28
For these great purpose to be fulfilled, God made woman to be identifiable with the purpose in their making and which is evident in us when we are in Christ. Therefore, when you see a woman identifiable with these purpose, some of the following features will be evident;

• She is a body of wisdom-  Prov 3:13-18, 31:26, Jos 2, 1pet 3:5
• She signifies fruitfulness – (Sarah, Mary, Hannah) Gen 1:28
• She represents God’s favor

Topic: Preparing women for the master’s use
Anchor Text: 2Timothy 2:21
Introduction; God prepares Man
It is important we know that it is only God who prepares His own vessels and not man (Ps 23:5). It takes the master mind of a purpose to create what is suitable for such purpose. Just as it takes a woman to prepare her special dish that will suit the special occasion she has in mind. Though she may appoint helpers, yet the preparation comes from her. So also does it take only God who knows what He want to make out of our life to prepare us to fit His purpose (Isa 44:2).
It is not in the place of any man to prepare or make a fellow man to fit the masters use. Irrespective of the position held in the body of Christ or society, we are on a duty call “Helpers” (Eph 4:11-12). No man is totally authorized to make a man, it is a delegated authority under the auspices of God’s instruction. They are playing a part in God’s preparation plan. (E.g Samuel, David, Joseph e.t.c). Therefore, let’s have it at the back of our mind that both leaders and church members, we are all playing a part in God’s purposed purpose, no one is making anyone only God does. What man makes today is a Robot.
The masters Mind
From genesis, God created man and woman uniquely. He made man from the dust and from the same dust He made woman but together with a man’s rib. This implies that though they were both human being, God was detailed enough in their making as it has a nexus with their purpose and making process.
Both man and woman has a collective and primary purpose which is to be an extension of God on earth (Gen 1:26), however they both have individual purpose which is still primary to God. These purposes have great influence on their making.
Man- to tend and keep the garden; to extend the garden to the ends of the earth (Gen 2:15). Man was created in isolation (the dust) but not to live in isolation.
Woman- to be a helper; support the man in extending the garden to the ends of the earth (Gen 2:18)
Woman was created relationally and not in isolation (man’s rib and dust).
Note: both man and woman were made from the dust of the ground just like other creatures but the governing power was the breath of God (His Spirit, His nature) in man. Therefore, if a man loses the breath of God he is no different from other creature; Remember Ape)
Therefore, our God the great potter knows what He want while making us and we have just being made perfectly to fit into His plan. You are not an accident, and you are proportioned for a God’s purpose. Irrespective of your background, complexion, stature, status, ability God knows best and had His and your best interest in mind.
The need for companionship
God understand companionship as He himself has got the company of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. He doesn’t work in isolation; they all work together as one even in the making of man (Gen 1:26a). Just as we are made in God’s image, we are we entitle to companionship. However, companionship doesn’t necessarily mean a wife or husband.
Masters Plan for a Woman
it is important to note that being a woman isn’t just restricted to being a wife, your womanhood began as a girl-daughter-sister-fiancée-wife-mother and even grandmother.
To be a helper- Gen 2:18
To be an Extension of God- Gen 1:26-28
For these great purpose to be fulfilled, God made woman to be identifiable with the purpose in their making and which is evident in us when we are in Christ. Therefore, when you see a woman identifiable with these purpose, some of the following features will be evident;
She is a body of wisdom-  Prov 3:13-18, 31:26, Jos 2, 1pet 3:5
She signifies fruitfulness – (Sarah, Mary, Hannah) Gen 1:28
She represents God’s favor
She is a model of good works- (1Tim 2:10, Prov 31)
She represents honour which is found in her humility-(she has a crown, instructed to be submissive) Esther, Eph 5: 22, 1pet 3:6
Devil’s Agenda
Break relationship between God and Man using a woman
Cause man not to be fruitful (bareness) and go into extinction
To rule on earth
These agenda are played out with some factors propagated from the pit of hell which played down on the relevance of the truth about our identity in a subtle way and cause us to key into devil’s plan. These factors includes;
Sin (1Jn 2:15-16)
Human philosophy (Col 2:8)
Abuse (physical, emotional e.t.c)
Ambition
Gender insecurity
Need for approval
Need to be loved
Today’s Woman
It is very alarming and disheartening that the women we have today are far different from those who God purposed when making a woman. To mention but few, what we have today are;
Delilah- Bait (Prov 7:9-23),
Jezebel- Wickedness and bad adviser (1Kg 19, 21:5)
Vashti - Pride (Est1)
Martha – Busyness

Reformation- 1Thess 4:7
God will not use vessels that are not of honour, until a woman is fit for the purpose, God will not allot such responsibility to her. Don’t get it twisted, God is not looking for a perfect vessel, He wants to make the imperfect vessel perfect. thouBut the question is are we ready to be perfected? From the anchor text, two principles are required; Consecration and Sanctification.
Principle of Consecration
Consecration is the act of setting apart an object or person to the worship or service of God. Voluntary surrendering to God and separation from the world of Sin. To be consecrated means;
Become a new Man (2Cor 5:17, Rm 11:16, 1Jn 2:5-6). The essence of salvation is a change, to be in Christ and abide in Christ.
Surrendering your wil power to God’s will (Deut 30:19)
Engage in the word of God (Ps 119:9)
Live a holy life (1Pet 1:14-15)
Offer spiritual sacrifice (Rm 12:1-2, 1Pet 2:9)
Principle of Sanctification
Sanctification is the cleansing of the consecrated one, purifying for the master’s use. 1Thess 5:23. God use those who He has found blameless. Sanctification is made effective by the following agent;
Blood of Jesus 1Pet 1:2
Word of God Eph 5:25-27, Jn 17:17
Spirit of Truth Jn 14:16-17
Prayer
Incubation period
We are clay in the potter’s hand Jer 18-1:6, Rm 9:21. There is no presentation without making. Many of us complains of not finding the right man, sometimes this has nothing to do with sin but because we are yet to be fully baked for this purpose. Are you yet a good thing? How prepared are you? Have you build your capacity to contain extra oil? Who is making you?
Need for right formation Heb 2:10-11
Need for refining fire Prov 25:4
Need to be sitted Lk 10:38, Act 18:24-28
While God is incubating you, work out your salvation with fear and trembling, exercise your potential and make impact.
Conclusion
Preparing woman for the master’s use is inexhaustible even in man’s understanding, God purpose for a woman will forever be discovered as we grow just as our capacity is built enough to fit such purpose. God will announce you when you are fit for Him.

• She is a model of good works- (1Tim 2:10, Prov 31)
• She represents honour which is found in her humility-(she has a crown, instructed to be submissive) Esther, Eph 5: 22, 1pet 3:6

Devil’s Agenda

1. Break relationship between God and Man using a woman
2. Cause man not to be fruitful (bareness) and go into extinction
3. To rule on earth

These agenda are played out with some factors propagated from the pit of hell which played down on the relevance of the truth about our identity in a subtle way and cause us to key into devil’s plan. These factors includes;
Sin (1Jn 2:15-16)
Human philosophy (Col 2:8)
Abuse (physical, emotional e.t.c)
Ambition
Gender insecurity
Need for approval
Need to be loved
Today’s Woman
It is very alarming and disheartening that the women we have today are far different from those who God purposed when making a woman. To mention but few, what we have today are;
Delilah- Bait (Prov 7:9-23),
Jezebel- Wickedness and bad adviser (1Kg 19, 21:5)
Vashti - Pride (Est1)
Martha – Busyness

Reformation- 1Thess 4:7
God will not use vessels that are not of honour, until a woman is fit for the purpose, God will not allot such responsibility to her. Don’t get it twisted, God is not looking for a perfect vessel, He wants to make the imperfect vessel perfect. thouBut the question is are we ready to be perfected? From the anchor text, two principles are required; Consecration and Sanctification.
Principle of Consecration
Consecration is the act of setting apart an object or person to the worship or service of God. Voluntary surrendering to God and separation from the world of Sin. To be consecrated means;
Become a new Man (2Cor 5:17, Rm 11:16, 1Jn 2:5-6). The essence of salvation is a change, to be in Christ and abide in Christ.
Surrendering your wil power to God’s will (Deut 30:19)
Engage in the word of God (Ps 119:9)
Live a holy life (1Pet 1:14-15)
Offer spiritual sacrifice (Rm 12:1-2, 1Pet 2:9)
Principle of Sanctification
Sanctification is the cleansing of the consecrated one, purifying for the master’s use. 1Thess 5:23. God use those who He has found blameless. Sanctification is made effective by the following agent;
Blood of Jesus 1Pet 1:2
Word of God Eph 5:25-27, Jn 17:17
Spirit of Truth Jn 14:16-17
Prayer
Incubation period
We are clay in the potter’s hand Jer 18-1:6, Rm 9:21. There is no presentation without making. Many of us complains of not finding the right man, sometimes this has nothing to do with sin but because we are yet to be fully baked for this purpose. Are you yet a good thing? How prepared are you? Have you build your capacity to contain extra oil? Who is making you?
Need for right formation Heb 2:10-11
Need for refining fire Prov 25:4
Need to be sitted Lk 10:38, Act 18:24-28
While God is incubating you, work out your salvation with fear and trembling, exercise your potential and make impact.
Conclusion
Preparing woman for the master’s use is inexhaustible even in man’s understanding, God purpose for a woman will forever be discovered as we grow just as our capacity is built enough to fit such purpose. God will announce you when you are fit for Him.


Sis. Aworeni Oluwaseun
Delivered on HEPHZIBAH generation sister's week

Spiritual Warfare: Wisdom for the battle

 

 

2 Cor. 10:4-5

“For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds; …and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ”

Image from www.crosswalk.com

A few things must be understood and clarified in the mind before we go into the nitty-gritty of this discourse, ‘Spiritual Warfare’ in order to be able to understand the whole essence of the topic. So many people today are fully absorbed and are drowned in the abyss of spiritual warfare, not because they don’t believe in God but because they lack the approach to such problems unknown to them. Jesus said, ‘If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God came, and the scripture cannot be broken’ (John 10:35).
Many believers today have built a relationship with God but have failed to use Him adequately, and not using Him is the reason why a large majority are tossed to and fro by the scheming and ploys of the devil.
A man who is able to live by God’s instructions will experience warfare but is provided with the strength to surmount them, as it is not the will of God for believers to die in warfare or to live ‘perpetually’ in them but to be strengthened by such problems and surmount eventually.
Spiritual warfare ranges across various degrees and dimensions; some types of warfare are meant to affect one’s finances, some to debar progress, some are meant to spiritually torment, whilst others are sent to distract or shift one’s emphasis away from God.
Apostle Paul said: “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds; …and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ” (2 Cor. 10:4-5).

This assurance of a victorious life is open only to believers, but even if a believer does not tap into it, he will suffer like a sinner and will be trampled on by the devil. ‘In the world, you will have tribulation, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world’ (John 16:33).
The fall of Adam led to so many bedeviling circumstances that we experience today, but whoever has a place in Him will overcome all bad situations. Adam left his place before God, being the very first mistake he made. The devil, full of vices, is ready to ‘displace’ a believer who does not stand firm in the Lord. When Adam knew that he had transgressed the instructions of God, he shifted his ground.
‘And the LORD God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou? And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; and I hid myself’ (Gen.3: 9-10).
King David of God who had learned from Cain did not hesitate to pray to God after he had sinned in the case of Uriah and Bathsheba. He said, ‘Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me’ (Psalm 51:11).

Your Source Matters

In whatever situation do not run from your source so that you are not stifled. A common statement that is used says: ‘A stream that forgets its source soon runs dry’. That is the case with whoever runs from the presence of the Lord because of fear. Commonly, fear is as a result of sin, but however stormy the situation, do not run from your source.
As much as believers congregate together for worship in churches, it does not imply that they have the same source and intentions. Some have other places and medium as a ‘shortcut’ that they consult when situations arise which they believe are more powerful or rather quicker than the Living God and as such cannot be trusted.
King David said, ‘Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God’ (Ps 20:7). A person that is displaced from his place can never remember his God. Therefore, the first stage in a battle is to know your source. It is your source that will tell you the type of battle you are engaged in and what approach to give to the battle. ‘The secret of the LORD is with them that fear him; and he will show them his covenant’ (Ps. 25:14).
Staying where God has placed you is the first assurance of a victorious battle in trial situations. The LORD said to Adam, “And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel” (Gen.3:15).
It was the result of this that man lost dominion of what had been given unto him since the beginning. He was given dominion over five kingdoms but lost it after the fall of Adam (Gen.1:26-28). It should also be noted that all powers and principalities belong to either of the five kingdoms and men had been given the authority to subdue, but was then lost at Eden by sin.
A re-awakening of the consciousness of a spiritual man would make him act in consonance with the will of God for him. God has never failed in a battle, so why should we fail? The principle of God as touching battles is to be victorious. King David acted through the mind of God in all of his battles, but the emphasis would be laid on a few of the battles. The promise of God for members of the church is that Jesus is the Champion at battles. (Jesu lajagun segun ode orun).

Identity

Just as we witness physical battles on the surface of the earth, so also do the battles operate in the spiritual. One of the ploys of the devil, when he wages wars against us, is that we might lose our ‘identity’. The devil understands what identity is and uses it against believers. The bare-footed monarch, SBJ Oshoffa was made to understand the importance of identity at the inception of his call. (CCC Constitution, Section 2).
‘Lest satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices’ (2 Cor.2:11).

Instruction

The beauty of being a believer, therefore, is that there is nothing that happens that the LORD will not inform us. He said to Abraham, “And the LORD said, Shall I hide from Abraham that thing which I do” (Gen.18:17). If He intends to inform us of all battles, failure is not our portion.
As much as God relates to us as individuals, He does so with us corporately as well. A spiritual message came for the Celestial church in 1970 at Makoko, which was meant for the whole congregation of Celestial Church of Christ (CCC) as regards to an impending epidemic that was to strike the following year. The message was so specific that the Holy Spirit spoke through Prophetess Manuwa that an epidemic called ‘Cholera’ in English and ‘Onigba-Meji’ in Yoruba would strike in Nigeria, but anyone who ‘keys’ into the instructions of God as touching the prophecy would be free of the outbreak.
This is evidence that no matter how grievous a battle could be, an instruction is the key. Even when military personnel goes to war, they live by instructions. Scripturally, all battles won by the Israelites and the Beloved of God are as a result of faithfulness to instructions (Judges 7:1-25).
It is imperative that we are firmly established in God as our source before one could think of being victorious in a battle, and it should also be noted that instruction in time is also a key necessity to a victorious spiritual warfare. Victory in battle is one of the ten supernatural blessings mentioned in one of the books of Moses.
‘The LORD shall cause thine enemies that rise against thee to be smitten before thy face: they shall come out against thee one way, and flee before thee seven ways’ (Deuteronomy 28:7).
When one considers the extent that the devil goes to destroy the lives of glorious people, one would deem it fit to going the extra mile in conquering him, and that ‘Extra-mile’ is God. Whatever operates in the physical on earth has its root in the spiritual. Hardly is there any success therefore that could be achieved without the influence of the spiritual world.
‘For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places’ (Eph.6:12).
However, it should also be noted that the devil being conscious of this, is distracting so many people because of their unawareness. As previously mentioned, every sphere of spiritual wickedness relates with any of the five kingdoms that Man initially made to have dominion over and since these kingdoms had been in existence before the creation of Man, wisdom is, therefore, the key to winning these spiritual forces. The devil operates with ‘devices’ but God operates with ‘wisdom’.

Creed : Do you truly believe in Celestial Church as often confessed?

Belief is said to be a concept held sacrosanct by a set of people, which they have faith in and accept as true.

 People who share a common belief are identified with communal actions and choices that lines up with the claimed belief.
In addition, Principles or creeds are guidelines given to distinguished persons for safeguarding, checkmating, discipline, as well as to differentiate them from the general or to achieve a common goal.
 As such, every organization, group, and society have laws, principles or guidelines governing them against failure towards excellence.
 Also, the measure of the effectiveness of its regulations determines how far an organization will go in terms of growth and development.

A life without principles is a life in shambles.

In line with this every believer is held with the mandate of upholding the principles/creed of the faith he confesses which also signifies that the person is not trying to deceive others.
Many people actually confess their belief in something but fail to fulfil their part in toeing the line of the principles of the faith they profess, and such by action are considered apostates.
As clearly stated in the Bible:  he that is not with me is against me and he that gathers not with me scatters abroad  Matthew 12:30.

Celestial Church of Christ is one spiritual body with heavenly/holy principles set aside for the direction and safeguarding of its members, with the aim of building up people separated unto God.

Awkwardly, many disregard God’s laid down principles under the pretext of GRACE, forgetting that God exalts his word above his name, so disregarding his word and calling on his name could amount to a waste of time, which actually explains why many complain of unanswered prayers.
Grace is the ability of God poured on the sons, and this ability is not given to sideline or neither does it marginalize God’s laid down principles. As Jesus himself unequivocally stated; think not that I am come to destroy the law or the prophets, I am not come to destroy but to fulfil.

Till heaven and earth pass one jot or one title shall in no wise pass from the law till all be fulfilled.
Matthew 5:17-18

This obviously clarifies that Jesus is in line with laws and order.
Many actually confess the creed ‘I believe in the Holy Celestial Church of Christ’ but condemn the teachings, doctrine, and tenets of the faith they profess by their deeds, judging God by their own opinion.
It is realistic to know that anyone who confesses his faith in something but fail to adhere to the instructions of that faith is an apostate and has directly or indirectly renounced the faith.
CCC hymn 772 says

“fun eni toba gbagbo tose igboran yio riye ijo mimo” in English “whoever believes and is obedient shall see life in celestial church.”
Celestial Church of Christ Hymn 772

Moreover, academic or intellectual beliefs are different from spiritual beliefs. The things that you believe intellectually are irrelevant to your spiritual compass; for the foolishness of God is wiser than men…… ( 1 Corinthians 1:25)
Do you truly believe in the Holy Celestial Church Of Christ as often confessed?
Do you judge God’s words by men’s understanding?
How long are we going to continue disregarding God’s laid down principles and tempting the spirit of truth?
Lukewarmness is tantamount to loss; you are either a full fleshed Celestial in spirit and in truth or nothing. The bible says; He that troubleth his own house shall inherit the wind.… (Proverbs 11:29).
Therefore, as Celestials indeed let us shun all frivolities and uphold the banner of the truth concerning our heritage, knowing fully well that if you don’t stand for something you will fall for all things.You will be known for what you are given.

Christianity, Celestial and Culture

‘For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son.’ 
John 3 : 16

This scripture in John 3:16 explains the entire good news message of what has become known as Christianity.  

Jesus Christ became flesh and dwelt among men, when He returned to the Father he charged his disciples to go out and preach the gospel to the very ends of the earth (Matt 28:19 -20, Mark 16:15).  This is simply God’s way of saying go out and change the culture of the world by making Christianity a way of life!  The great commission was relentlessly pursued by followers of Christ to the extent that some laid down their lives for the purpose.
From the foundations of the earth people have formed various cultures which direct their lifestyle and way of doing things but, man’s culture tends to differ from Gods instructions as His ways are not our ways and His thoughts are not our thoughts (Isaiah 55:8-9) E.g. The Lord instructed Moses to lead the Hebrews out of the idolatry atmosphere of Egypt to go and worship him.  
Naturally, everyone has a background and lifestyle which stems from the culture of their birth or immediate environment but it is important for us to realise that a servant cannot serve two masters (Matt 6:24).  TrueChristianity is not a religion, buta lifestyle that is synonymous to that of Jesus; a lifestyle that reminds people of Calvary.
He who was crucified on it and the reason why He died; a lifestyle of love and actions that spell goodwill toward all; a lifestyle of openness, forgiveness, longsuffering, peace and harmony towards all men. Christianity is a lifestyle that seeks to do the will of God the Father andmust therefore bring about a change from our normal cultural foundation. In view of this, Christianity and Culture can be seen as two opposing forces of influence present in the life of followers of Christ.

Celestial Church of Christ

The Celestial Church of Christwas descended to take people away from Idolatry worship and practice and to follow Jesus Christ the owner of the Church. It is a spiritual, world-wide, united, indivisible Holy Church which came into the world from heaven by DIVINE ORDER on the 29th of September 1947 in PORT NOVO, REPUBLIC OF BENIN (formerly REPUBLIC OF DAHOMEY) through a single individual, a man who is the founder of the Church, the Late Reverend Pastor Prophet Founder SAMUEL BILEHOU JOSEPH OSHOFFA who said;
 On the 29th of September, 1947, in the deep mystery of the divine appearance, during prayer, of the winged angel bathed in intense light, word came from God saying;
“It is the wish of God to send you on an errand of preaching to the world. Many nominal Christians there are who, when confronted by difficulties and problems of this world, they run after fetish priests and other powers of darkness for all kinds of assistance. Consequently, on their death, they cannot see Christ because, by their action, Satan has left his spiritual mark on them. To assist you in your work so that men may listen to and follow you, miraculous works of Holy divine healing will be carried out by you in the name of Jesus Christ. These works of divine healing and God’s spiritual mark on you will testify to the fact that God sent you”
The instruction given to the late Pastor Founder clearly illustrates that Celestial Church of Christ (CCC) was descended to take people away from Idolatry worship and unholy cultural practices but unfortunately several CCC Parishes have taken advantage of the fact that majority of the CCC doctrine tends to mirror the African culture that the Church originated from and use this to embrace large parts of cultural practices into the church. This is indeed true of most denominations and not necessarily a bad thing but culture is not always in line with the word of God and the church must therefore be careful with what we mirror.  Any Church denomination can hardly embrace culture without idolising; sex, wealth, power, polygamy, witchcraft and other worldly acts.

The Church and Culture

While the rules of Christianity can be clearly defined, culture often creates large grey areas that cannot be easily explained. Inasmuch as culture exhibits many aspects of truth, goodness, and beauty, every culture, and every aspect of culture, is corrupted and distorted because of human sin. 
By becoming a reflection of culture, the church can lose its position as a champion of a better way to live. When Christians adopt a ‘Christianity of culture’ mind set, they take away Christianity’s ability to be a prophetic voice and usually end up sacrificing doctrines and moral beliefs that run contrary to the cultural consensus. There are good intentions and can be positive fruits, but it may not ultimately be the best route for the church to take.
Deuteronomy 28:1-14 lists the copious blessings available for obedience but The Bible further confirms that over the ages people have repeatedly rejected the commandments of God. In the course of time, Jesus came to take us back to God but even his own people rejected Him as they preferred to tread their familiar path. Similarly, many still reject Christ and move back to their cultural way of doing things.
The way forward for CCC and any Christian denomination for that matter, is to realise that as Christians, we are Christ’s ambassadors (2 Cor 5:20) this means we represent another world, while we live in the midst of this one.
Although it is important for us to know and understand the culture of our surroundings, we must live our cultural lives in obedience and witness to Christ.  As members of Christs own Church everything about CCC must reflect the one we serve. We thank God for the existence of culture and recognise whatever is good in it, but must seek to redirect whatever is not good toward Christ who is the way the truth and the light.
He is the good Shepherd and directs the sheep aright so we can rest assured that the way of Christ is the best way for us to tread. Moreover, he said that without him we can do nothing (John 15:5).
As we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ following the Christmas season and just after the Platinum Anniversary of CCC, the way forward after 70 years since inception of the Church  is to demolish mediocrity and fill our minds with biblical precepts; being  careful that we do does not abide by the surrounding culture.
We can be interactive, but not accommodating, developing a positive revolutionary mind-set that will glorify God in all aspects of our life.  While doing this we must not throw the baby away with the bath water, bearing in mind that Celestial Church of Christ is original and respect its spiritual identity.

Are you still connected to the source?

Staying connected

Relationship with the Source

It may be easy to connect to the Source, but to stay connected is another level. Not only is it hard to remain consistent, but let us be real with ourselves, it is not at all times that we ‘feel’ like being connected. Sometimes it is not until we are no longer connected that we realise that the connection is gone. However, we do not have to wait until we become disconnected before we do what needs to be done to re-connect. It is not until the battery is dead that we realise we need to re-connect to the power source. We may all be at different points in our spiritual journey, but the same principles to stay connected apply.
Unfortunately, staying connected requires more than a trip to church on Sunday. In fact, it may even require more than going to every single service day (week day services as we have in Celestial Church of Christ). Staying connected is all about relationship and relationship requires consistency. Do you have a relationship with the Source, that being a personal relationship with God? If your answer is no, then that is the first thing that you need to do; build a relationship with the Source. James 4:8 tells us ‘draw near to God and He will draw near to you‘. Do things which will draw you closer to God.
Let us now look in detail at different ways that we can build a relationship with the Source.

Constant Communication

How do I draw near to God? Good question! Now, there is no one and only way to draw near to God, as we will all have a unique relationship with God. However, what God has taught me recently about relationship has been through my relationship with those around me. When you are in a relationship with someone, whether that be a friend or a family member, generally the more you communicate, the more you get to know the person and the closer you become.
Many of us say that we want to have a relationship with God or draw closer to Him, but we do not communicate with Him. The reason I say this is because I myself fall into this category at times. I wonder why I do not ‘feel’ close to God, but then I can’t remember the last time I opened my bible or the last time I was in consistent prayer, apart from the few minutes of silent prayer the previous Sunday. But God has taught me that to stay connected to Him, the Source, I need to be in constant communication with Him and spend time with Him daily.
Now ask yourself, is it only on Sunday that I communicate with God, or do I communicate with Him daily? Is my relationship with God limited to when I am in the church or does it go beyond the four corners of the building? As we do not forget to communicate with our closest friend on a constant basis, we should not forget to communicate with God daily.
Remember communication goes both ways; talking as well as listening. Unlike your friend who may busy tone you once in a while, God is always available for you to call on Him at any time.

Forgiveness

Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need (Hebrews 4:16).
Another important part of staying connected to the Source is forgiveness. Forgiving others and ourselves and accepting the forgiveness of God. If we offend our friend, sometimes that guilt causes us to distant ourselves from them, which is sometimes what we do with God. Due to our sin, instead of us repenting and receiving the forgiveness of Christ, we draw back. We stop praying, we go to church less, all because we feel we are not worthy (which you never was in the first place, btw), forgetting that it is by Grace we are saved. Stop allowing guilt and fear to disconnect you from the Source. Forgive those who have offended you and come boldly before the throne of grace, repenting and seeking God’s forgiveness.

Focus

Now let us get into the nitty gritty of it. Why is so difficult to stay connected? I usually ask myself this each time when I start to feel distant from God or start to feel like it is difficult for me to do the things which I used to do so easily, such as reading and meditating on the Word. Where is your focus?  Because where your focus is, is where you are likely to sow most of your time. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also (Matthew 6:21). Let us refocus on the things of the spirit and what God has called us to do so that we can start to lay up treasures in Heaven.
Now let us be real with ourselves. In this world that we live, we are constantly drained through battles, our circumstances, disappointments and even sin. All these things take our focus away from the Source. That is why we must constantly remain connected to our Power Source to keep going on this journey of life, rather than allowing the distractions of the world to draw us away.
There have been times where I have wanted to give up, but it is that connection to the Source that kept me going, the Holy Spirit that reminded me, ‘It is not about you‘. It may be that you are going through a season where you do not feel as energetic as before, you are not praying as before or the things of God do not excite you as before. It’s okay, you can be honest, and most of us have been there. Although, no matter what the case may be, the same principle still applies, submit to God (accept His will and authority), resist the devil (withstand and be unaffected by his actions) and he will flee.
Final word of encouragement…
You can probably remember a time when you were more connected and more on fire for God. But you must remember that life is a marathon and not a sprint. There may be times when you may not feel as on ‘fire’ for Christ, but it does not necessarily mean you have fully lost connection. Get back up, head held up high and keep going, with determination to maintain that connection through the help of the Holy Spirit.

Where did Communitarianism go?

community does not exist in a void, neither does a single person make up a community. A combination of individuals are responsible for influencing an atmosphere, redefining a place or moment; through attitudes, character, and disposition that could either stimulate a sense of belonging or not. In the same vein, an individual does not necessarily become a family unit without the inclusion of other individuals.  

Communitarianism stresses the link between the individual and the community.

How does an individual contribute to his or her immediate community? What is that individual’s idea of what a community is or what it should be? Communitarianism in this context is not described in accordance with a political thought, philosophy or theory. This is simply casting a glance at the underpinnings of the early church and the role of the church as a benchmark for enhancing community relationships without treating the church as simply a place of worship. Did the community ideal of the church disappear or has it been driven away?
A church is simply a building or an architectural infrastructure not worthy to be called a church if there are no congregants. A church is its people, not the physical structure. If the quality of life of congregants is good, then the church is healthy. Although, there are fundamental spiritual principles that cannot be ignored, would the teachings at the church settle on a restless heart? With the sanctity of a church intact, would a heart that experiences malicious and hypocritical gestures from fellow church members be prepared to imbibe the message being inculcated?

It is okay to think that as long as you are comfortable in the church, you understand the sermon and you are able to shun unnecessary distractions, you are good to go.

What about the other person seated beside you with a perturbed look, who has just been destructively criticized as a heathen right before service? How often do you genuinely reach out to check on one of the church members? Do you do so because you really care or do you do so because you want to fulfil all righteousness? It is not bad to mind your business but caring for others or reaching out when you observe their countenance doesn’t look too pleasant, goes a long way.
There is a difference between being altruistic in your intentions and becoming the reporter-in-chief of people’s personal issues and challenges.
As mentioned earlier, the quality of life of congregants is crucial, as it is a conglomerate of the degree to which an individual or a group is healthy, comfortable, happy and able to participate in life events. A church is supposed to be a haven where people can find solace, not choked out by the pointers of their imperfections. If anything, people in attendance at church (whether for an ongoing service or not), should feel a sense of support, not an arraignment to crucifixion.
Of course, a church is typically referred to as a gathering of saints but the church is not for the perfect or spotless. If this is so, how are souls won for Christ? Where do people get the opportunity to experience the expression of God’s love for sinners? How would they be accorded the chance to understand the concept of approaching the throne of mercy boldly? All have sinned and fallen short of His glory and still, in love He called us. If love is not demonstrated to fellow congregants and even guests, the way it should, if iniquity should get marked, who would stand? God is love, whoever does not love, does not know God.
Christianity is wholistic, not just a religion. It is a way of life. An aspect of Christianity cannot be reckoned with for the sake of self-justification, while others get ignored. This would be a reversion to the biblical reference to the Israelites who were being ignorant of God’s righteousness and went about to establish their own righteousness. (Romans 10 : 3).
Fellowship is key! It is not uncommon for the concept of fellowship to be restricted to a group of people coming together to worship and share the word. There is an aspect of fellowship being a friendly association in the midst of people who share common interests. This also transcends into having positive impacts, lifting each other up where the other seems weak or deficient, as well as understanding the strengths and weaknesses of others, in one accord. Segregation along the fine lines of Christian denominations should not weigh into fellowshipping, considering that irrespective of which religious subgroup one is affiliated with, we are all one body in Christ.
In The Book of Joy: Lasting Happiness in a Changing World, the words of Archbishop Desmond Tutu echo the saliency of communitarianism; “Perhaps our synagogues, our temples, and our churches,” Archbishop Tutu added,” are not as welcoming as they should be.
I really think that we do need for these fellowships to do a great deal more to have those who are lonely come and share. Not in an aggressive way, or in order, as it were, to increase their records or their ranks, but really just keenly interested in one person who comes and gets what they did not have before–warmth and fellowship. …” This excerpt from the book written by Dalai Lama XIV, Desmond Tutu and Douglas Carlton encapsulate the quality of fellowships and what they should be versus the way fellowships are being run.
What is your version of brotherly love and how do you practice it? Is it real or a facade? What is your contribution to retaining the communitarian culture of the church? Are you hospitable, polite in speech and tone? Do you pursue reconciliation or would rather go for prolonged animosity? “Individualism” where the church is concerned, does not necessarily engender communitarianism.

Bringing Pride back to CCC

“Can anything good come from Nazareth?”John 1 : 43 – 49

Nathaniel once asked sarcastically. Eventually, his first encounter with Christ changed the narrative. He hereby pronounced Him to be the true Son of God and also became his disciple (John 1:46-49). Today, people identify Jesus Christ with his that same place saying, “Jesus Christ of Nazareth.”

Time after time, reproach has been brought to God’s people by reason of their misconduct yet; God never ceases to raise leaders to change the narrative. For example, the Israelites were once an unknown people until Joseph brought them to limelight when he became the Prime Minister in a foreign land; Israel was about to be humiliated by Goliath and David became the hero; the Jews were on the verge of destruction when Esther rose to the occasion. The list is inexhaustible.
Likewise, there has been a misconception about CCC considering some of our misconduct. Home videos are done to humiliate our church and the world now sees us as fetish and ungodly. Undoubtedly, due to our unique identity in snow white sultana, we are easily recognised when irregularities are done and they end up going viral but our good deeds and massive achievements are overlooked. Worse is that every abnormality done in white garment is always accredited to CCC forgetting that there are other denominations who also wear similar white garment like us. Nonetheless, it is our duty to restore the glory and respect to our great church CCC.
It was SBJ Oshoffa’s exploits that brought worldwide fame to Celestial Church of Christ and even till date, we still benefit from his impact on humanity. So if God could use one man to bring pride to CCC, imagine how much can be brought if we simply submit ourselves in the same order. So how do we follow suit? How do we change the perception of the world about our glorious church? It starts with you. Just as we are ambassadors of the kingdom, we are also ambassadors of CCC. Now, there are two ways by which honour can be brought to CCC. By our Conduct and our Impact.Either way, these factors are crucial;

• GOD FACTOR: John Wesley once said, “Without Man, God will not but without God, man cannot.” The point is clear. While God may not do things without using or consulting Men, we cannot do certain things without our Maker because there are things beyond Man’s control which God has to be involved in. Hence, without God walking your race with you, you will only struggle and end up becoming a shadow of yourself. Joseph, David, Solomon and even Jesus needed God. Thus, the equation can never be complete without God.

• PURPOSE AND VISION: For every product, there lies a purpose and reason in the mind of its manufacturer for its creation. Likewise, there was an intention in God’s mind for everyone and only knowledge of this purpose can ensure the maximization of our potential in the world. If Samuel never knew his purpose as Israel’s priest, his name will not have hit the history books. Jeremiah was told that he was ordained to become a prophet right from the womb and this enabled him become significant in his time. So know your purpose and you are on the way to becoming significant in your generation. Vision on the other hand is to see your future in pictures. Joseph saw himself becoming a leader and he eventually fulfilled his dreams.

• EXPLORE YOUR GIFTS: In every man lies a gift which is a tool for his purpose. David had singing and fighting skills and that was what enabled him write the book of psalms and also become the King of Israel. Isaiah was significant because of his gift of prophecy. Gideon was significant because of his leadership skill. Beyond Education, it is vital that you find your gift. It is your gift, not your education that can bring honour to you and CCC at large. Find a man who is skilled and he shall stand before Kings and not mean men. Personally, my writing skills have helped me author inspirational books and also go places.

• ACQUIRE KNOWLEDGE: Without Knowledge, people are bound to perish. We live an era where knowledge is paramount and those who are ignorant live at the mercy of the knowledgeable. Someone once said, “The illiterates of the 21^stcentury will not be those who cannot read and write but those who cannot learn, unlearn and relearn.” Solomon was a man of great wisdom but he had to commit to personal development. Hence, whatever your field is, constant acquisition of knowledge is what will make you stand out of the crowd.

• GET A MENTOR: It is foolish to decide to reinvent the wheel when others have experience life. Find someone whom you admire or wish to replicate their exploits and have them mentor, guide, coach and develop you. Moses mentored Joshua, Elijah mentored Elisha, Jesus mentored the 12 disciples. No wonder Isaac Newton said, “if I have seen further in life, it is by standing on the shoulder of giants.”

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  “if I have seen further in life, it is by standing on the shoulder of giants.”
  Sir issac newton

  
  
  • BUILD GOOD RELATIONSHIPS: No one was destined to work or live in isolation and relationships are meant to enrich your life. It takes people of like minds working together to edify and build up the Body of Christ. If you are an iron, you need iron around you to sharpen you. That’s why David had Jonathan to support him. Only with great people can you end up great. Myles Munroe said, “Show me your friends and I will show you your future.”
• BE DISCIPLINED: Even the world most influential people have been destroyed because of lack of discipline. Moses lost the opportunity to reach the promise land simply because he could not control his anger. Samson got captured because he could not control himself with women. Self control in life is non-negotiable. Likewise, all manner of misconduct should be controlled. Indecent dressing, careless lifestyle and so on should be shunned.

• BE FOCUSED: In time past, people died from weapons of mass destruction but these days, people are dying from weapons of mass distractions. Our world is filled with distractions such as social media, side attraction and things that do not add value to our lives and only if we can set our priorities right can we achieve our primary goals. After all, a knife cuts because of its narrow focus. So keep your eye single on the most important things in your life.

With the aforementioned, the stone that the builders rejected will inevitably become the cornerstone and CCC shall be become a force to be reckoned with and eventually, we shall cleanse the world.

culled from celestial weekly

Securing a better future for the youths of Celestial Church of Christ

For any concept on earth to be well set, it is needful that a firm foundation is laid in furtherance of a meaningful future. In building construction, the foundation of a building determines what is to be built on it (the superstructure). Invariably the depth of a building determines the superstructure. If the foundation is well built, therefore there is the assurance that whatever is built on it is certainly going to be fine.

Every idea in life starts from a nucleus, from which it matures or graduates into a bigger state. Biologists would say the cell is the smallest (functional) unit of life, and in a cell unit are contained what is called organelles, which are the set of things that makes up the cell. So also is the situation with the church.

The church is meant to be a positive influence to its immediate environment as revealed in 2 Kings 2:19-20. After Elisha had taken a double portion from Elijah, he parted Jordan with the mantle and performed the first miracle of healing the water that was bitter. The world is a typical example of that bitterness and the church is the “New Creation” (Cruse), while the salt therein represents the disciples in the church, being the character content of the New Creation. Little wonder Jesus says,

“Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt has lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? It is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid”.

Matt. 5:13-14

Some things were mentioned in the early days of the church in the Acts of the Apostles wherein a symbiotic lifestyle was adopted and was of benefit to everyone. In the early days of Celestial Church of Christ, same was the case.

“And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. And all that believed were together, and had all things common” .

Acts 2: 42-44

If the present day youths would not be schooled in the teaching of God in the context of this church, there would be obvious challenges for the church in future, and that future starts now. A template that is given for the generation of Youths that we have now is what would be passed on to posterity.

“Seeing that Abraham shall surely become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him? For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment; that the LORD may bring upon Abraham  that which he hath spoken of him.”

Gen. 18:18-19

Worship is the mainstay of this church, and unfortunately it is hardly hallowed today by the church. Through worship, man is led into doing as the Lord intends for the faithful. Distraction, being one of the vices of the Devil has almost eaten up the church system today and the consciousness of God is grossly lost in the heart of the church. Several minds come to church with the “get rich quick” mindset, forsaking the fact that when it comes to blessing, it is by God’s time.

“He hath made everything beautiful in His time…”

Eccl. 3:11

The Revelation of John to the Seven Churches in Asia is a direct example of what obtains in the church now, from one clime to the other and Celestial Church of Christ which is expected to be a beacon of hope is no exception to this. There is nothing new under the Sun; which implies that the message sent to the church by our Lord Jesus Christ as revealed to John the Beloved is still the scenario in the church today, and a few would be examined as being devices used by the devil in shifting our emphasis away from God. In the Revelation of John, the prophecies to the churches include commendations, criticisms, instructions and promises, aside the “dispensational interpretation” of the prophecies to the seven churches. It also contains spiritual messages that are relevant to our day to day activities and also inherent messages fitting aptly into what obtains in the present day church where the “world is going churchy, and the church is going worldly”. It should be borne in mind by all that, “…we are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that we should show forth the praises of him that has called us out of darknesss into his marvellous light”.- 1 Peter 2: 9.

Not all the seven churches of the apocalypse received commendation and criticism, but all received instructions and promises. Take a look at the seven churches.

1.EPHESUS: (Rev. 2:1-7). As much as this church is commended for its rejection of evil, perseverance and patience, it was criticized for its lack of fervent love for Christ. He thereby instructs that they do the works they did at first when they received Christ. Paul had earlier instructed them that false teachers would come and try to draw people away from the faith (Acts 20:29-31). This he did while he stayed with them for 3 years. Little wonder Apostle John acknowledged that they rejected false teaching (Rev. 2:2).

Several churches today in C.C.C. are in this condition as it was with the Ephesian church, in that their love for Christ is no longer fervent. The promise of Jesus for this church is that they will eat of the tree of life. In the Garden of Eden were two trees- the tree of life and the tree of knowledge of good and evil (Gen. 2:9). Eating from the tree of life brought eternal life with God; eating from the tree of knowledge brought realization of good and evil. In the new earth, no tree of knowledge will tempt people to sin. Instead, everyone will eat from the tree of life and will live forever.

The church is tagged, the loveless church.

2. SMYRNA: (Rev. 2: 8-11) This church is commended for gracefully bearing suffering. It will interest you to know that the church was not criticized for any wrong doing, but the instruction is that they should be faithful until death so as to be able to receive the Crown of life. C.C.C Hymn says, ‘Botiwu kidanwo po to, emi ko ni fi Jesu le’-(Hymn 682:2). The lesson from this church to present day believers is that if one is experiencing difficult times, such situations should not turn you away from God. Instead, let them draw you toward greater faithfulness.  This church is tagged the persecuted church. Little wonder Jesus said in the Beatitudes, ‘Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness sake: for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven’.- Matt. 5: 10

3. PERGAMOS🙁Rev. 2: 12-17) Here is a church known for keeping their faith in Christ but unfortunately criticized for tolerating immorality, idolatry and heresies. Jesus instructs them to repent and promises them a hidden Manna and a stone with a new name. Standing firm against the strong pressures and temptations of society is never easy, but the alternative is deadly (Rev. 2:11). Some of our parishes today are like the church in Pergamos, in that they have greatly given themselves to immorality and idolatry. We (believers) as light are meant to illuminate the world. Antipas, a Faithful, was martyred simply because of his uncompromising stance. If a large percentage of Celestials will ‘chart the course’ of Antipas, we will have a better C.C.C. and its mission to cleanse the world would be greatly achieved. A person’s name represents his character. God will give us new names and new hearts.

The church is tagged, the lenient church.

4. THYATIRA: (Rev. 2:18-29) Love, service, faith, patience were their good deeds. The church was criticized for tolerating immoral behaviour and cult of idolatry. Jesus instructs them on the coming judgment and promises a rule over nations and receive morning star.

We should not feel too comfortable and satisfied when our church only rejoices in the salvation of its members or the comfort of gathering for worship. It is a ploy of the devil. We should rather grow in love, faith and acts of service. Service to humanity, they say is service to God. Apostle Paul says in Gal. 5:22- 23 that believers should bear fruits. Rather than major in bearing fruits today, we still await spiritual gifts only. Whereas having spiritual gifts is not as glorious as bearing fruits. This church is also warned of immorality, little wonder the author of the book mentioned a name Jezebel, which symbolises sexual sin. This sin has a tremendous power to destroy families, churches and communities because it destroys the integrity upon which these relationships are built. God wants to protect us from hurting ourselves and others; thus we are to have no part in sex sin, even if our culture condones it.

This church is tagged the compromising church.

5. SARDIS: (Rev.3:1-6) Jesus said through John, ‘thou hast a few names in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy’. It was criticised as being a dead church, Jesus instructs them to repent and strengthen their weak areas. He promises that they will be clothed in white. The problem in the Sardis church was spiritual death. Christ promises future honour and eternal life to those who stand firm in their faith. Paul says,

‘Be ye steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as you know that our labour is not in vain in the Lord’.

1 Cor. 15: 58.

So many churches today are mere structures; in that they are spiritually dead. This church is tagged, the lifeless church.

6. PHILADELPHIA: (Rev. 3:7-13) Perseveres in the faith, keeps the word of Christ, honours His name. This is the only church that was not criticized amongst the seven churches. Jesus instructs them to keep the faith. He promises them a place in God’s presence, a new name, and the New Jerusalem. God does not expect us all to be the same, but he does expect us to persevere in using our assets for him. The Philadelphians are commended for their effort to obey (Rev. 3:8) and encouraged to hold tightly to whatever strength they have. We all will have a new citizenship in God’s future kingdom. Everything will be new, pure and secure. Only a microscopic number of C.C.C parishes fall into this category.

It is tagged the obedient church.

7. LAODICEA: (Rev. 3: 14-22) This is the wealthiest of all the seven churches, but has not been commended for ANYTHING. This is terrible. It is described as neither cold nor hot. The believers didn’t stand for any godly virtue; indifference had led them to idleness. Do not settle for following God half way. Let Christ fire up your faith and get you into the action. Jesus promises that they will share of His throne if they heed His instructions as regards zealousness and repentance. Moses said, ‘Except Caleb the son of Jephunneh; he shall see it, and to him and his children I am giving the land on which he walked, because he wholly followed the LORD’. Deut. 1:36. Great things are reserved for those who follow Him conscientiously.

The church is tagged, ‘the lukewarm church’.

CONCLUSION: It is evident from the foregoing that the position of our churches/parishes differs. Some are loveless, some are persecuted, some lenient, some compromising, some lifeless, some obedient and some lukewarm. However, wherever we find ourselves, we should know that the “race is not to the swift” (Eccl.9:11) and that we should be constantly abiding and prayerful till the end. PRAYER: I earnestly pray that at His coming, we shall all be counted worthy in Jesus name. AMEN. e 1 Light Accen